Free State Project members running for political office often hide or deny their FSP affiliation; Granite State Progress’ Free State Project Watch exposes those connections

Concord, NH – Granite State Progress released a list of more than 30 Free State Project members running for the New Hampshire state legislature, including two State Senate candidates and dozens of House candidates.

“Granite State Progress has been tracking the Free State Project and its influence since 2008, paying particular attention to Free Stater activity in elections and legislation,” said Zandra Rice Hawkins, executive director of Granite State Progress. “Free State Project members running for political office often hide or deny their FSP affiliation from voters and downplay their extreme beliefs when asked. To challenge this, Granite State Progress researches and compiles a list of Free State Project candidates running for office so voters know about the extreme affiliation of those candidates.”

New Hampshire’s role started more than a decade ago when the ultra-extreme Free State Project voted on a state to move 20,000 libertarians to with the stated purpose to take over state government and dismantle it, and New Hampshire was the unlucky recipient of that vote. The Free State Project seeks to create a libertarian “utopia” void of public infrastructure and common laws, and to use their numbers to dramatically change New Hampshire. The Free State Project even threatens to secede from the rest of the country once it meets its initial goals:

“Once we’ve taken over the state government, we can slash state and local budgets, which make up a sizeable proportion of the tax and regulatory burden we face every day. Furthermore, we can eliminate substantial federal interference by refusing to take highway funds and the strings attached to them. Once we’ve accomplished these things, we can bargain with the national government over reducing the role of the national government in our state. We can use the threat of secession as leverage to do this.” – Announcement: The Free State Project by Founder Jason Sorens

To date, the Free State Project has recruited more than 20,000 people to sign the pledge to move to New Hampshire, hitting their goal to “Trigger the Move” – all those who signed up are supposed to start moving once the agreed upon goal was met. More than 2,015 people have already moved.

“Free State Project members sign a pledge to move to New Hampshire and work to change the way of life in our state. They do not move here for a job, or for family, or even because they like what New Hampshire has to offer. Instead, they move here because a political group they are affiliated with voted on a state to move to and take over, and New Hampshire is the unlucky recipient of that vote,” Rice Hawkins said. “It is not surprising that so many Free Staters run for public office. Free State Project members uproot their families and move to New Hampshire purely to enact a political agenda, and running for office only further helps them reach that goal. Local communities who have dealt with them first-hand know how extreme their ideology can be, and that’s why we’ve seen push back from both Republicans and Democrats to expose them.”

The Free State Project candidate list is part of the Free State Project Watch of Granite State Progress, and can be found online at https://freestateprojectwatch.org/. The website includes the candidate list as well as individual candidate profiles.

Granite State Progress released similar candidate lists in 2012 and 2014. Members of the media and public are encouraged to ask FSP candidates whether they disclose their Free State Project affiliation in campaign materials and if not, why.

Today a ton of bills were passed and killed in the NH House and Senate. They range in topics but all have an impact on the future of our state. Below are press releases on a variety of bills that had votes today.

“Making the process of registering to vote and casting your ballot more consistent and accessible is something we can all agree on and I’m pleased that my Senate colleagues supported this important legislation,” said Senator Lasky. “Allowing our citizens to register to vote online would help create a more accessible system and increase the number of citizens exercising one of their most important rights. As the First-In-The-Nation Presidential Primary state, New Hampshire needs to continually move forward as technology advances and be an example to the rest of the country.”

23 states have already implemented online voter registration and 5 more states will be added to that list this year. Research has also shown in these states that online voter registration has sustained or increased voter registration.

“New Hampshire has built a strong reputation for voter participation, but we can always do more to help busy Granite Staters take part in our elections. I thank my Senate colleagues for their support and for creating a more effective and efficient election process for our Granite State citizens.”

Statement from Governor Hassan on House Passage of Ten-Year Transportation Improvement Plan

CONCORD – Governor Maggie Hassan issued the following statement on the Ten-Year Transportation Improvement Plan passed today by the New Hampshire House of Representatives:

“A solid and modern transportation infrastructure is critical to the success of our people and businesses, and the Ten-Year Transportation Improvement Plan passed by the House today advances a number of critical transportation goals that will help build on our bipartisan progress over the last several years. This includes maintaining and preserving our roads and bridges, completing the widening of Interstate 93, accelerating construction of Exit 4A in Londonderry and Derry and the first phase of widening the portion of Route 106 critical for access to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

“However, I am disappointed that the leveraging of federal funds for the environmental and engineering work necessary to bring commuter rail from Boston to Nashua and Manchester was removed. The business community continues to call on us to take action because commuter rail will improve access to the entire region, provide new housing and transportation opportunities, spur economic development and create jobs. I remain committed to working with members from both parties, local communities, the federal government, our businesses and Massachusetts to find a consensus and make this vital project a reality.”

CONCORD- Today, the NH Senate pass SB 549, which would allow the state to enter into agreements with private entities in order to fund intermodal infrastructure and transportation projects. After the vote, Senator Bette Lasky (D-Nashua), prime sponsor of SB 549, released the following comments:

“Enabling public-private partnerships (P3s) is an important step toward meeting our infrastructure needs with limited financial resources from the state and I thank the Senate for their support,” said Senator Lasky. “Improving our transportation infrastructure benefits all Granite Staters and by enabling the state to work with private funders, our state can access additional funding opportunities with greater efficiencies, which will save the state money.”

SB 549 was developed through the work of a public-private partnership (P3s) study committee and the committee’s recommendation that New Hampshire pursue this funding option. According to the study committee’s report, 33 other states already have laws authorizing P3s for highway and bridge projects.

“A strong and dynamic transportation infrastructure helps sustain our families and businesses. Finding creative and innovative solutions to help finance transportation projects when state funds are unavailable is essential to not only expanding economic growth, but expanding opportunity for all Granite Staters. I am happy that the Senate moved this legislation forward so that we can sustain and promote the growth of our state’s businesses and economy, while protecting taxpayer dollars and minimizing the financial risk to our state.”

Senator David Pierce Statement on Tabling of SB 531 (Senate version of the Medicaid Expansion)

CONCORD – Today, the State Senate agreed to table SB 531, which would have reauthorized the NH Health Protection Program, in order to take up the reauthorization in HB 1696, which passed the House yesterday on a bipartisan vote. After the conclusion of the Senate session, SB 531 prime sponsor Sen. David Pierce (D-Lebanon) released the following statement:

“While Senate Democrats would have preferred to reauthorize the NH Health Protection Program as drafted in SB 531, we are committed to finding a solution on reauthorization that has broad, bipartisan support and agreed to table our bill. Just as we did two years ago, we need to come together, across party and ideological lines to ensure that 48,000 hard working Granite Staters continue to have access to quality, affordable health care the health and financial security that comes with it.”

“There’s no question that the NH Health Protection Program has been a success and met the goals we set out to achieve when we passed SB 413 in 2014. Our hospitals have seen a significant decline in inpatient, outpatient and emergency room visits by uninsured Granite Staters, leading to a decrease in uncompensated care, which is a hidden tax on us all. By reducing uncompensated care, we also reduce the healthcare cost-shifting onto our people and businesses.”

“Continuing the program is also essential as we continue to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic. Thousands of Granite Staters have accessed substance abuse and behavioral health services through coverage under expansion and reauthorizing the program is critical to increasing treatment capacity in New Hampshire.”

“HB 1696, which was passed by a strong bipartisan vote in the House yesterday, will ensure that we continue this critical program that strengthens the health of our workforce and boosts our economy. I, along with my Senate Democratic colleagues, stand ready to renew this important program and we look forward to working with our Republican colleagues in the Senate to get this critical legislation to the Governor’s desk as soon as possible.”

“SB 543 addresses a gap in our current law that we could have never thought about just a few years ago: advertising children for sale or adoption online. While this problem may seem outrageous, at the public hearing, we heard examples from other states where babies and children were being offered for sale or trade on websites.”

“In our ever-changing world, we must make sure to protect our children and SB 543 ensures that if a parent decides to make the difficult decision to give a child up for adoption, it is done so through a safe and regulated process. I thank the Senate for unanimously supporting the passage of this much needed important legislation.”

Governor Hassan on House Vote to Pass Net Metering Legislation

CONCORD – Following a bipartisan vote by the New Hampshire House of Representatives to pass House Bill 1116, relative to net energy metering, Governor Maggie Hassan issued this statement:

“The solar industry is a critical part of our growing clean energy economy in New Hampshire, which recently ranked New Hampshire as one of the top five states for renewable energy and is creating good-paying, high-quality jobs, spurring economic development and helping combat climate change. Businesses and families across the state are utilizing solar to lower their energy bills and to increase their energy independence, contributing to the diverse and reliable energy supply that is critical to a more affordable and more innovative energy future.

“Lifting the cap on net metering is essential to the continued success of New Hampshire’s solar industry, and I applaud the House for its bipartisan vote to pass this critical measure. The Senate has already supported this legislation, and I urge them to concur with the version passed by the House and send this bill to my desk as quickly as possible so that we can lift the cap on net metering.”

CONCORD – Today, the NH Senate passed SB 386, which adds biodiesel producers to renewable energy classes in order to incentivize more biodiesel production. After the vote, North Country Senator Jeff Woodburn released the following comments:

“Encouraging the production and use of local renewable fuels like biodiesel not only makes sense for our environment, but helps boost our local economy. Innovative companies like White Mountain Biodiesel in the North Country are already using biodiesel to power the Mount Washington Cog Railway and passage of SB 386 helps to encourage more companies to do the same. As a co-sponsor of this bill, I was very proud to support not only expanding the use of domestically-produced renewable fuels, but I was proud to stand up for our North Country businesses.”

CONCORD – Following the bipartisan passage of SB 465, which closes a loophole in current law in order to protect victims of nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images, Sen. Jeff Woodburn released the following statement:

“Disclosure of sexually explicit material without consent and for no legitimate purpose causes immediate, devastating, and potentially irreversible harm to victims of this crime,” said Senator Woodburn. “Unfortunately, rapid advances in technology have created a loophole in our state laws that prevent prosecution of this crime. SB 465 closes this loophole and establishes a penalty for this devastating crime.”

Twenty-six other states have enacted similar laws to deal with the unauthorized disclosure of sexually explicit materials.

“The ability of people to gain access to and distribute private, sexually explicit material has raised all sorts of issues that we could have never imagined even just a few years ago. Police and prosecutors are seeing an increase in these types of crimes, but need the tools to protect victims of this crime. I thank my Senate colleagues, especially the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee who worked to make this a better bill, for their support.”

Today the New Hampshire House showed that Republicans and Democrats can work together to ensure that over 40,000 Granite Staters do not lose their health care coverage.

“The bipartisan New Hampshire Health Protection Program is strengthening the health and financial security of more than 48,000 hard-working Granite Staters, reducing healthcare cost-shifting onto all of our people and businesses, and playing an important role in combating the heroin and opioid crisis by providing substance abuse and behavioral health services to thousands of people,” said Governor Maggie Hassan.

“It is clear that our bipartisan expansion plan is making a real difference for hard-working Granite Staters and boosting our economy, and we know that reauthorization remains essential to increasing substance abuse treatment capacity in New Hampshire. I applaud the House of Representatives for its second bipartisan vote to reauthorize the New Hampshire Health Protection Program, and I will continue working with members of both parties and the federal government to reauthorize this critical program as it makes its way through the legislative process,” concluded Hassan.

“The New Hampshire Citizens Alliance applauds the hard work of those NH House Legislators who chose to stand with NH women and families by voting to extend critical health coverage to hard working Granite Staters,” said Kary Jencks, Executive Director of the NH Citizens Alliance. “Healthy workers equals healthy communities which results a healthy state economy that will continue to attract businesses and spur job growth.”

“The Health Protection Program helps low wage workers who could not otherwise afford health coverage. It helps individuals who temporarily fall on hard times and it helps those who are forced to reduce their work hours to care for an aging parent, a sick child, or other family member facing serious illness,” said NHFPI’s Executive Director Jeff McLynch. “Access to health coverage is a key component to ensuring economic stability for New Hampshire workers and families who struggle to put food on the table and a roof over their heads.”

“At the same time, the Health Protection Program will enable New Hampshire to bring more than $800 million of our federal tax dollars back to the state through the end of 2018 to help address critical public health needs, providing much needed resources to bolster our mental health system and combat the substance use disorder crisis,” added McLynch.

“We commend the members of the House of Representatives for this bipartisan vote in support of the reauthorization of the New Hampshire Health Protection Program. Their action brings New Hampshire one step closer to ensuring that thousands of hard-working Granite Staters have continued access to affordable health coverage that will increase their ability to achieve economic security,” concluded McLynch.

Senate Democratic Leader Jeff Woodburn, is poised and ready for the Senate to do their part and get this bill to the Governor. “Senate Democrats stand ready to renew this important program and we thank the House for their support. We look forward to working with our Republican colleagues in the Senate to get this critical legislation to the Governor’s desk as soon as possible.”

After the vote the New Hampshire Democratic Party was quick to highlight that Republican Gubernatorial candidate Chris Sununu tried to block Medicaid Expansion as an Executive Councilor.

In October 2013 Sununu was the only member of the Executive Council to vote against endorsing Gov. Hassan’s call for a special session to consider the recommendations of a commission that endorsed Medicaid expansion. Then, in July 2014 Sununu was one of two councilors to vote against a $292 million contract that would allow the N.H. Health Protection Program, or Medicaid expansion, to begin Sept. 1.

“Sununu’s record is clear,” said New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley. “He led the fight opposing Medicaid expansion in New Hampshire and had he been successful, nearly 48,000 Granite Staters would still be without high-quality healthcare.”

“It’s frankly disturbing to see how proud a candidate for governor is about putting partisan politics and ideology ahead of the health of everyday Granite Staters,” Buckley concluded.

The proposed bill puts a new twist on an old, well known union busting Right to Work law

Tomorrow, the NH House Labor Committee will hold their public hearing on HB 1341 a new and very sneaky way to pass a Right To Work for less bill.

Republican Representative John Martin introduced HB1341 as a way for non-union members, who are covered by a union contract, to get out of paying their fair share by allowing them to make a donation to the charity of their choice. This would allow the non-members to freeload off the union by skipping out on their share of the administration costs.

This is exactly the same as every other Right to Work for less bill except in this version non-members would still have to pay, they just would not have to pay the union.

Right to Work is a union-busting tactic has been used for decades. Bust the union by attempting to bankrupt them.

This piece of legislation could allow these freeloading non-members to take money that should have gone to the union and funnel it directly into anti-worker groups like the Americans for Prosperity, who are officially listed at a charity by the state.

Passing Right To Work has been one of AFP-NH’s main legislative goals for many years.

Did the Americans for Prosperity have a hand in writing this bill? I do not know, but I am pretty certain they will be there to support it.

If you agree that this type of underhanded attack on workers is wrong then join us at the NH State Capitol’s Legislative Office Building, Room 307, tomorrow (2-11-16) to make your voice heard.

Bipartisan majority rejects HJR 3, which called for an investigation into Planned Parenthood and defunding for all health centers providing abortion services

Today, a bipartisan majority in the New Hampshire House rejected HJR 3, a bill that called for a state investigation into a variety of inflammatory and disputed allegations directed at Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers. The bill also would have blocked funding for women to get basic preventive services at Planned Parenthood health centers across the state — including affordable birth control, cancer screenings, HIV testing and other essential care. The measure was soundly defeated on a vote of 227 – 100.

“Planned Parenthood has been a trusted source of high-quality, compassionate and affordable health care in New Hampshire for 50 years — and that’s not going to change, no matter what our opponents throw at us,” said Jennifer Frizzell, vice president of the Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund.

“Today we saw our elected leaders from both parties stand up for New Hampshire women and families and reject the false and fraudulent attacks that are coming from a group of extreme legislators. That’s because despite what some politicians and pundits might say — access to reproductive health care is not a partisan issue in the Granite State,” continued Frizzell.

“New Hampshire is a solidly pro-choice state and we applaud the House for standing up for their constituents to reject HJR 3. HJR 3 relied on the edited videos and claims of extreme, ideologically driven organizations that seek to interfere in a woman’s access to the full range of reproductive health options. We continue to stand with our allies at Planned Parenthood and other community health centers as they face a barrage of attacks from extreme politicians and organizations. Instead of protecting outdated workplace policies that discriminate against women and limiting reproductive rights, our priority in New Hampshire should be to guarantee fair opportunities for women to succeed and to take care of their families, and this vote is a step in the right direction,” said Kary Jencks, executive director of NH Citizens Alliance.

“Having children has huge personal, health, and economic impacts on women and their families, so guaranteed access to reproductive health care, including birth control, abortion, pre-natal and maternity care, is tied inextricably to a woman’s economic security,” said Zandra Rice Hawkins, executive director of Granite State Progress & Education Fund. “We thank Planned Parenthood and other community health centers for their dedication to ensuring women and their families, particularly those in medically underserved areas, have access to quality health care. Today’s vote against a nationally orchestrated smear campaign was the right one.”

“The citizens of our state want their elected officials to keep us moving forward – not backward – on women’s health. Today’s vote demonstrates that legislators from both parties reject these coordinated attacks that seek to end access to safe, legal abortion, ” concluded Frizzell.

More than 14,000 women, men and young people rely on Planned Parenthood health centers in New Hampshire for high-quality, affordable health care. With 33 percent of Planned Parenthood health centers providing care in rural or medically underserved areas statewide, Planned Parenthood serves as an essential source of primary and preventive health care in New Hampshire.

Seventy-Eight New Hampshire Democratic State Representatives Endorse Hillary Clinton for President in Open Letter, Less than Sixty Days Ahead of the Primary

Manchester – Seventy-eight New Hampshire state representatives endorsed Hillary Clinton for president, in an open letter to the House Democratic caucus, citing her comprehensive plans to tackle student debt, lower prescription drug costs, encourage profit-sharing, and combat substance abuse. The group of respected legislators represent diverse communities across the Granite State.

“We are coming together to support Hillary Clinton – and hope more of our colleagues will join us – because her tenacity, passion, and depth of knowledge are unmatched,” said Concord State Representative and former House majority leader Mary Jane Wallner. “Representing towns and families across the state, we know about the challenges that keep them up at night. All through the summer and fall, Hillary Clinton has been laying out bold, detailed proposals to tackle those concerns and make a difference for Granite State families as President.”

The joint endorsement is the latest evidence that support for Hillary Clinton in New Hampshire continues to grow. The seventy-eight legislators represent nearly half of the Democratic caucus in the State House and are close to double the percentage of total Democratic state representatives that endorsed her candidacy in New Hampshire in 2008.

“I am supporting Hillary Clinton because she has a real plan to address gun violence in this country–and she has been working hard on this issue for most of her career,” said Rep. Katherine Rogers of Concord. “As a country, we need to take a hard look at this issue and tackle it head on. Hillary Clinton is the only candidate who I trust to do just that.”

“Hillary Clinton is committed to supporting small businesses and growing local economies, which is exactly what families in New Hampshire need: the opportunity to get ahead and stay ahead,” said Rep. Ed Butler of Hart’s Location. “Through her visits and relationships with many Granite Staters, Hillary has come to know New Hampshire well – and we have gotten to know Hillary. I am certain she’s the candidate we need.”

“I’ve been impressed with Hillary Clinton’s commitment to solving the issues that impact Granite Staters,” said Rep. Mary Heath of Manchester. “Whether its her plan to tackle student debt and college affordability–which New Hampshire families struggle with–or her commitment to addressing the gender pay gap, Hillary knows our state and will be our champion.”

“What has impressed me so much about Hillary Clinton is the way that she took what she heard in Keene and crafted an in depth policy that would really help our communities,” said Rep. Will Pearson of Keene. “Hillary has engaged with Keene voters in an unprecedented way–and her comprehensive plan to tackle substance abuse is proof that she hears us and will fight to help.”

“I’ve gotten a chance to meet Hillary Clinton several times, and she is the hardest working, most committed candidate I’ve seen in a long time,” said Rep. Sharon Nordgren of Hanover. “She does not over-promise. She is realistic, and doesn’t back down from a fight. Her plans are smart and won’t result in a massive tax increase on working and middle class families. I endorse her as the Democratic candidate for president, and I hope others will join me.”

“In the southern part of the state, families cannot afford a president who is singularly focused on one issue,” said Rep. Latha Mangipudi of Nashua. “Our country continues to face huge obstacles and confront serious issues. We need a tried and tested leader with the type of experience and determination that is part of the fabric of who Hillary Clinton is.”

“Whether it’s her plan to tackle prescription drug costs or her determination to protect and improve on the Affordable Care Act, Hillary will not turn her back on seniors and families struggling to make ends meet,” said Rep. Thomas Sherman of Rye. “She knows that we cannot afford a tax increase, but we need a champion in the White House. I believe she’s the leader we need.”

“The fact that Hillary Clinton came to New Hampshire, heard about substance abuse, and immediately got to work on putting together a plan to combat this issue has convinced me that she is the best candidate in this race,” said Rep. Bill Hatch of Gorham. “Hillary will make a real difference for the north country.”

Letter to the House Democratic Caucus:

To our fellow members of the New Hampshire House Democratic Caucus:

The New Hampshire primary is an ongoing conversation, from the day each candidate announces to the day Granite Staters cast their votes. We have the opportunity to shape the national discussion – and the responsibility to shine a light on the issues that affect our communities.

Though the primary is still months away, Hillary Clinton has already proven that she is listening to us – and responding with real solutions. It demonstrates her real concern for the issues facing us in New Hampshire, and for the people who live here.

Here are just a few of the new initiatives she has proposed so far:

Tackling student debt: By now we should all be aware that New Hampshire students carry some of the highest average student debt in the nation. Our state colleges and universities are excellent and we should be proud of them – but we need to make sure our students can afford to attend them. Clinton’s New College Compact could save families thousands per year. It would allow every public college student to graduate without borrowing for tuition, allow anyone who has debt to refinance it at a lower rate and make community college free.

Lowering prescription costs: New Hampshire is one of the oldest states in the nation. Seniors here also pay more than the national average for prescription drugs. Combined we have a costly problem. As a solution, Hillary Clinton is proposing bold initiatives: demand a stop to excessive profiteering and marketing costs by encouraging innovation, lower costs by limiting out-of-pocket spending, leverage America’s negotiating power, and with careful protections for safety and quality, allow Americans to import prescription medication. We can also count on her to defend Obamacare from repeal and strengthen it by making it more affordable for more people.

Encouraging profit-sharing to raise wages: Nationally corporate profits are close to record levels, but Americans’ paychecks have not kept pace. The vision for the economy Clinton has presented prioritizes raising hard-working Americans’ incomes with a tax credit for businesses that implement profit-sharing. One local example is Market Basket, which gives employees a stake in the company’s success through a generous profit-sharing program. In short, Clinton believes workers should share in the profits they help produce. We do too.

Combating substance abuse: We all know the grave toll that addiction and substance abuse has taken in New Hampshire. We hear stories from our neighbors every day, perhaps the epidemic has even touched our own families. Hillary Clinton has taken this issue seriously from the moment a New Hampshire voter raised it with her on the first day of her campaign – and she has released by far the most comprehensive policy plan to combat substance abuse in our communities. She would help communities implement evidence-based educational prevention programs, expand access to treatment and recovery, equip first responders with the potentially life-saving antidote, prevent dangerous overprescribing of prescription drugs, and prioritize rehabilitation and treatment over incarceration.

Our next president must protect our recent successes and find common ground to build on them with future achievements. Hillary Clinton has a clear vision for our country and the tenacity to get us there. We are proud to support her candidacy for president– and we encourage you to join us.

Governor Says Republican Budget is “Unbalanced, Dishonest about what it Funds, and Includes Unpaid-For Corporate Tax Cuts that Create a More Than $90 Million Budget Hole”

CONCORD – Calling the nearly finalized Republican budget fiscally irresponsible and unbalanced, Governor Maggie Hassan today reiterated her intention to veto it if it comes to her desk as it is.

“Their budget is unbalanced, dishonest about what it funds, and includes unpaid-for corporate tax cuts that create a more than $90 million budget hole at the expense of critical economic priorities,” Governor Hassan said. “It is also left unbalanced by relying on misleading budget gimmicks. It double counts fiscal year 2015 dollars, it does not adequately fund basic services and it does not honestly fund the services we all agree are critical to our people, families and businesses.”

In February, the Governor presented a fiscally responsible, balanced budget – without a sales or an income tax – that was transparent and honest about how it supported critical economic priorities such as making higher education more affordable, strengthening public safety, ensuring access to affordable health care, and repairing roads and bridges. Unpaid-for tax cuts and budget gimmicks that leave the near-final Republican budget unbalanced threaten the state’s ability to support those priorities and keep New Hampshire’s economy forward.

“Their unfunded corporate tax cuts will create a significant hole in this budget and budgets well into the future – making college tuition more expensive; hurting our ability to ensure workers can access health-care without financial ruin; leading to unplowed, unsafe roads for commuters and businesses; and failing to adequately address substance misuse in the midst of a heroin crisis,” Governor Hassan said. “This fiscally irresponsible approach undermines our economic future, putting out-of-state corporate special interests ahead of New Hampshire’s families, small businesses and economy.”

Governor Hassan has been at the table with Republican leadership, and she has been clear throughout the process about her priorities and that she believes there is room for compromise to find common ground and achieve a bipartisan budget that addresses the shared priorities that legislators from both parties agree on.

“Our families deserve better. Our businesses deserve better. And the hard-working people of the Granite State deserve better. Republicans need to join me in putting New Hampshire’s families, businesses and economic interests first, and to get back to work immediately, prepare a continuing resolution and negotiate in good faith to develop a fiscally responsible, balanced and bipartisan budget that builds on our progress of the last two years to keep our economy moving forward.”

House Democratic Leader Steve Shurtleff and Senate Democratic Leader Jeff Woodburn released the following statement in support of Governor Hassan’s fiscally responsible budget leadership:

“Governor Hassan proposed a fiscally responsible, balanced budget that makes smart investments in critical economic priorities like higher education, health care, roads and bridges, and public safety, without an income or sales tax.”

“But Republicans chose instead to put forward an irresponsible plan that blows a $90 million hole in the state’s budget to benefit big, out-of-state corporations at the expense of New Hampshire middle class families and small businesses.”

“We’re proud to stand with Governor Hassan as she continues to fight for the priorities that will move New Hampshire’s people, businesses, and economy forward, including affordable college tuition, safe roads and bridges, access to quality and affordable health coverage, and protecting our communities.”

“We look forward to working with our Republicans colleagues when they decide to put partisanship aside and actually negotiate in good faith to pass a responsible, bipartisan budget that meets the needs of our state.”

Community Leaders Call for Further Progress toward a State Budget that Builds a More Healthy, Secure, and Prosperous Granite State

Concord, NH – Prior to the start of the Committee of Conference on the FY 2016-2017 state budget, community leaders and concerned citizens gathered today in the lobby of the Legislative Office Building to outline critical issues that the committee should address in order to build a more healthy, secure, and prosperous Granite State.

“Some progress has certainly been made in responding to the concerns voiced by hundreds of citizens at public hearings on the budget, but further advances in the coming days are both possible and essential,” said Jeff McLynch, executive director of the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, in opening remarks.

Speakers highlighted five issues that are among those conference committee members should address and urged members of the House and Senate to work together to craft a state budget that best meets the needs of New Hampshire’s citizens.

The reauthorization of the New Hampshire Health Protection Program, also known as Medicaid Expansion, was included in the Governor’s budget, but removed from both the House and Senate versions. The program is set to expire on December 31, 2016, and without reauthorization, more than 40,000 individuals will lose access to affordable health care.

“Physicians see the Health Protection Program working for our patients and we encourage the legislature to include the necessary funding for reauthorization in the state budget,” said Dr. Travis Harker, family physician and past president of the New Hampshire Medical Society. “New Hampshire cannot afford to walk away from its low-income citizens. For our patients and for the health care system in New Hampshire, it is critically important to reauthorize and fully fund the New Hampshire Health Protection Program now.”

In 2014, advocates secured a landmark legal settlement regarding the provision of mental health services in New Hampshire, including supported employment and housing, mobile crisis response, and assertive community treatment teams. Yet neither the House nor the Senate versions of the budget provide the level of funding for mental health services recommended by Governor Hassan.

“Today New Hampshire’s mental health system sits at a cross roads. This biennial budget will determine whether the system can move ahead or whether it will continue to flounder,” said Ken Norton, executive director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Hampshire. “As the Committee of Conference begins deliberations, we urge that the health and well-being of all of our citizens should be our number one priority and, toward that end, we as a state commit to providing funding and supports to rebuild our community mental health system.”

New Hampshire currently faces a substance misuse epidemic. In 2014, more than 300 Granite Staters died from drug overdoses, while close to 100,000 are in need of treatment for substance use disorders. Beyond the tragic loss of life, this epidemic imposes very real costs on the state’s economy, its health care system, and its courts and correctional systems.

“As we have seen the death toll from our state’s opiate epidemic rise, communities and leaders from across New Hampshire have been calling for action,” said Timothy Rourke, chairman of the Governor’s Commission on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery. “Now is the time for the conference committee to demonstrate the leadership required to tackle this epidemic, which is killing citizens, threatening public safety, and damaging our economy. The Governor’s Commission looks forward to a state budget that reflects the evidence-based fiscal policy required to address this immediate and real threat to our quality of life.”

Neither the House nor the Senate included funding for the state employee contract in their versions of the budget, although the necessary funds were included in the budget put forth by the Governor. Funding cuts enacted in prior budgets have resulted in the loss of numerous positions with associated responsibilities shifted to remaining employees.

“New Hampshire state employees go to work every day prepared and motivated to provide high quality public services whenever and wherever needed. We get the job done if it snows on Sunday night or Wednesday morning to ensure every motorist arrives safely to their destination,” said Ken Roos, first vice president for the State Employees Association/SEIU Local 1084. “Public workers across our state are asking our legislators to build a budget that provides the resources New Hampshire needs for a safe and prosperous future.”

Business tax cuts contained in the version of the budget approved by the Senate would severely constrain New Hampshire’s ability to make critical investments. Based on the latest information available from the Department of Revenue Administration, business tax cuts would drain away much as $23 million in state revenue during the FY 2016-2017 budget cycle; once fully implemented, the tax cuts would reduce revenue by more than $90 million each biennium.

“As both the experience of other states and academic studies demonstrate, cutting taxes in this manner would not produce jobs or bolster economic growth,” said Jeff McLynch, executive director of the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute. “Instead, cutting taxes would leave New Hampshire unable to meet the needs of residents, visitors, and businesses alike. They would leave New Hampshire unable to support the well-trained labor force and robust physical infrastructure that bring employers to New Hampshire and keep them here. They would leave New Hampshire unable to provide the good schools, vibrant communities, clean parks, and other amenities that make the Granite State a place people are eager to visit and proud to call home.”

In conclusion, McLynch added: “Consequently, I am hopeful that as conferees go about the difficult task of completing the FY 2016-2017 budget and as they strive toward a goal that we all share — a thriving and expanding economy – they will set aside plans to reduce business taxes and instead give priority to the public services that can serve as the foundation for a more healthy, secure, and prosperous Granite State.”

SB179 would penalize New Hampshire voters
rather than improve elections

Concord, NH – Today the House Election Law Committee passed an elections bill along party lines (11-8) that creates unnecessary hurdles for New Hampshire voters by instituting an arbitrary vehicle registration “poll tax” and a 30-day residency requirement. The key features of SB 179, which also passed along party lines in the state Senate earlier this month (14-10), are likely unconstitutional at both the state and federal level.

The House Election Law Committee amended SB 179 to require voters to obtain a driver’s license and register their car in New Hampshire – a change that has no clear connection to maintaining the integrity of elections. New Hampshire’s constitution clearly states that “all elections are to be free,” and this amendment acts as a poll tax by charging engaged Granite Staters vehicle registration fees in order to vote.

Furthermore, SB 179 falls short of meeting the standards set in the United States Supreme Court case Dunn vs. Blumstein, which permitted up to a 30-day registration requirement in states that need it for administrative purposes. Given that New Hampshire is a same-day registration state, there is no compelling argument that the state’s election administration officials need the additional time.

“The sponsors of this legislation claim these restrictions will somehow stop voter fraud, but the proposed changes would penalize New Hampshire voters rather than help our elections,” explained League of Women Voters New Hampshire Election Law Specialist Joan Flood Ashwell. “There are many ways for voters to confirm their identity without forcing them to pay vehicle registration fees, and there are many ways to ensure they live in our state without a 30-day residency requirement. We can’t deny eligible voters the right to vote here in New Hampshire.”

Despite all evidence to the contrary, politicians continue to push restrictive election laws based on a false narrative of ‘phantom’ voters. New Hampshire attorney general investigations and a national Washington Post investigation** found that in-person voter impersonation and registration fraud is virtually non-existent.

America Votes-New Hampshire State Director Paula Hodges said, “SB 179 is one of more than a dozen dangerous bills proposed by radical lawmakers that would deter voters and undermine New Hampshire’s long-held tradition of streamlining voting. The various proposed bills range from eliminating same-day registration, to creating new inter-state cross-check programs that could purge thousands of eligible voters from the rolls. It’s clear these politicians are trying to influence elections by discouraging voters, and that’s wrong.”

“We urge the governor to veto SB 179 should it pass both chambers this year,” Hodges added.

Things moved slowly this week at the State House. The full House met on Wednesday and passed the following bill:

SB 101: prohibiting the State from requiring implementation of Common Core standards. This bill prohibits the Department of Education and the State Board of Education from implementing the Common Core standards in any school or school district in this state. This bill clarifies that districts don’t have to adopt the Common Core Standards but a district still needs to have high quality standards. AFT-NH believes that if any standards are to work we need to ensure that in each district the following are in place when implementing them:

There needs to be planning time for understanding the Standards and time to put them into practice,

We need opportunities to observe colleagues implementing Standards in class,

Provide teachers with model lesson plans aligned to Standards,

Ensure textbooks/other curricula materials align with Standards,

Communicate with parents on the Standards and the expectations of students,

Develop best practices and strategies along with coaching to help teachers teach content more deeply,

We need to ensure all districts have the equipment and bandwidth to administer computer-based assessments,

Make sure we have fully developed curricula aligned to Standards and available to teachers,

Assessments need to be aligned to Standards indicating mastery of concepts,

Professional development and training in the Standards need to be offered,

We need to develop tools to track individual student progress on key Standards

This coming Thursday, April 23, 2015 the Special Committee On Employee Pensions will be meeting at 10 am in LOB 104. They have two bills that they will be discussing

HB 369: establishing a defined contribution retirement plan for public employees and

HB 556: establishing a cash balance plan for public employees in the retirement system.

We need to keep in mind the following about our pension system:

New Hampshire’s retirement system benefit for public workers should set a standard, and be something for larger employers to mirror in the state.

Public service should be viewed as a respectable vocation; a commitment by workers of service and dedication to their home state. Public service is an investment in New Hampshire and retirement security creates a financial cornerstone of the NH economy.

The current annual pension benefit is just over $19,000. Nearly 70% of the state’s 28,000 pensioners receive less than $25,000 per year.

Each dollar “invested” by New Hampshire taxpayers in the pension system supports $7.55 in total economic activity in the state

Studies have found that public sector workers’ compensation – including benefits – is slightly lower than that of their peers in the private sector with the same education and experience.

Police officers and fire fighters are not eligible for Social Security.

All of our public employees contribute their own money into pension funds.

Defined-benefit pensions held by public employees are much more cost effective than 401(k)-style retirement plans, costing roughly half as much to provide the same level of retirement benefit to workers such as police officers and firefighters, librarians and teachers, and other public-sector workers.

Security in retirement is something every worker deserves after a long, successful career in public service. Our workers, after dedicating their working life to educating children, enforcing the law, fighting fires and helping our communities function every day, have earned a benefit that must allow them to retire with dignity.

The benefit should ensure a predictable cost for the employers and employees, who pay into it throughout their careers. It should create, and sustain, a high-quality workforce. It should attract talented younger workers to invest a lifetime in public service, in turn adding value to the state’s economy.

In exchange for a lifetime of service, our workers need to rely on defined and predictable retirement security that is protected against inflationary pressures. Their benefit should ensure sound, long-term investment options and strategies that will result in post-retirement stability, despite the economic concerns of today.

Instead of encouraging the idea that working for the public sector is less valuable than working for the private sector, New Hampshire’s retirement system benefit for public workers should set a standard, and be something for larger employers to mirror in the state.

Public service should be viewed as a respectable vocation; a commitment by workers of service and dedication to their home state. It is service that adds value to the quality of life for NH citizens and visitors. Public service is an investment in New Hampshire and retirement security creates a financial cornerstone for the NH economy.

In Solidarity,
Laura Hainey
AFT-NH President

Have you visited the AFT-NH Facebook page and clicked “Like Us”? Please do so today! You can also follow us on Twitter at @8027aftnh. Late breaking news appears on Facebook!

House CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 204, LOB
10:00 a.m. Executive session on
SB 72, relative to confidentiality of police personnel files and establishing a commission to study the use of police personnel files as they relate to the Laurie List,

House LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, Room 307, LOB
1:00 p.m. Executive session on SB 186, reestablishing the commission to study soft tissue injuries under workers’ compensation and to study the feasibility of developing a first responder’s critical injury fund.

House MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 301, LOB
10:15 a.m. SB 242-L, relative to amending the budget in towns that have adopted official ballot voting. The public hearing will include consideration of a non-germane amendment which ratifies the result of a warrant article in the town of Franconia. Copies of the amendment are available in the Sergeant-at-Arms’ office and online.

House TRANSPORTATION, Room 203, LOB
11:00 a.m. SB 234, establishing a committee to study the use of law enforcement details and flaggers for traffic control on municipally maintained roads.

House FINANCE – (DIVISION II), Room 209, LOB
1:00 p.m. Work session on SB 151-FN, requiring inclusion of home educated pupils in the definition of average daily membership in attendance.

Thursday, April 23

House MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 301, LOB
10:00 a.m. Executive session on
SB 242-L, relative to amending the budget in towns that have adopted official ballot voting,

House SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS, Room 104, LOB
10:00 a.m. Full committee work session.

Tuesday, April 28

House WAYS AND MEANS, Room 202, LOB
10:00 a.m. Continued public hearing on SB 213-FN-A-L, establishing a committee to study the formula for distribution of meals and rooms tax revenues.

Wednesday, April 29

10 am House in Session

Thursday, April 30

10 am Senate in Session

Tuesday, May 5

Senate FINANCE, Representatives’ Hall, SH
Sen. Forrester (C), Sen. Little (VC), Sen. Morse, Sen. Reagan, Sen. D’Allesandro, Sen. Hosmer
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. HB 1-A making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2017.
HB 2-FN-A-L relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. HB 1-A making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2017.
HB 2-FN-A-L relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.
Please note: These hearings will be streamed live via the Internet at the following web address:http://nhgencourt.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=1

Every Child Matters in NH and Child and Family Services of NH are pleased to extend an invitation to all members for “Walk a Month in My Shoes” Poverty Simulation on Friday, May 15th at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord. Breakfast and registration will open at 8:00 a.m. The simulation will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end by noon. Please stay for lunch and an afternoon discussion about poverty in our state with NH experts on this topic. Our goal is to simulate the challenges faced by low-income children and their families as they try to survive from month to month on limited resources. We guarantee that this event will have you talking and thinking about poverty in new ways. There is no cost to attend this event. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to our guests. Space is limited so please RSVP by April 24th by calling (603) 856-7517 or emailing mlbeaver@everychildmatters.org

Friday, May 22

In recognition of your support, the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Association cordially invites you to the 23rd Annual New Hampshire Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Ceremony. The ceremony will be held on Friday, May 22, 2015, beginning promptly at 10:00 a.m., on the Memorial Site in front of the Legislative Office Building. The ceremony will proceed rain or shine. Refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony. Please do not hesitate to contact Major Kevin Jordan of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department at 602-271-3128 if you have any questions.

Advertisement

Search The NH Labor News Older Posts

Advertise on the NH Labor News

NHLN Supported Charity

The Second Wind Foundation is a non-profit charity that donates 100% of their earnings. The organization is run by retired union activist and friend of the NHLN. Click the image above to go directly to their site to learn more.